Film/Acting: Basic Camera Shots and Movements

As actors, we think only about the "acting" part but when acting in film and television it is helpful to know and understand the basic types of camera shots and camera movements so that you know how to act appropriately in the frame when you are on camera.

Camera Shots
Extreme Close Up (ECU or XCU)
The actor's face fills up the screen in this shot and it can be used to make the actor appear dominant or more aggressive. It can also be romantic if there is soft lighting.

Close Up (CU)

This shot is slightly wider than an ECU shot. It shows the head and the top of the shoulders. It shows the facial expressions and eyes of the actor and is often used as a reaction shot (shows how the actor is feeling). 

Medium Close Up  (MCU)

This shot shows the actor from the middle of the chest up. It is a good shot to use when you want to make the viewers think that the actor is are talking directly to them.

Medium Shot (MS)

This shot shows the actor from approximately the waist up. It is similar to the field of view when are having a normal conversion with someone.

Medium Long Shot (MLS) or Medium Wide Shot (MWS)
This shot shows the actor from about the knees up. It is used for showing the actor's bigger movements and gestures and group shots.

Long Shot (LS) or Wide Shot (WS)
This shot shows the actor's entire body. It is mostly used for action scenes and group shots.

Extreme Long Shot (ELS or XLS)
This shot shows an overall view of the setting. It is mainly used as an establishing shot and shows the viewer the time and place.

Camera Movements
Pan
To pan means to turn the camera horizontally,  either from left to right or from right to left. You can only pan right or pan left.

Tilt
To tilt means to make the camera point up or down. You can only tilt up or tilt down.

Cant
To cant means to tilt the camera sideways,  left or right.  You can only cant right or cant left.

Pedestal (Ped)
To ped means to elevate or lower the camera on the center column or a studio pedestal or tripod. You can only ped up or down.

Dolly
To dolly means to move the camera away from or toward from an object in a some what straight line using a a moblie camera mount. You can only dolly in or dolly out.

Truck (Track)
To truck or track means to move the camera right or left with the lens of the camera at a right angle to the direction of travel using a mobile camera mount. You can only truck right or truck left.

Arc
To arc means to move the camera in a slightly curved truck ordolly movement left or right. You can only arc right or arc left.

Crane (Boom)
To crane or boom means to move the camera up or down using a camera cane or jib arm. You can only crane up or crane down.

- Aisha and Alisha

4 Ways to get some Acting Experience

When you are new to acting and just starting out it can be hard to get an agent, casting director, producer, or director to even give you a chance. It is helpful to get as much acting experience on your resume as possible.

 Here is a list of four things you can do to build your acting resume.

1) Local community theatre/school plays
This is a great way to start because it is where you can discover if acting is something that you really want to do. This is also a great way to learn some acting technique.

2) Independent/student short films
Doing these films are very good to do because they allow you to have a place where you can make your mistakes and learn from them. It is also, a great opportunity to network with upcoming film makers and other actors, it's a great opportunity to get you face out there.

3) Make your own work
As an actor it is not enough any more to just wait for your agent to call, you can make your own film and act in them. It is also a great way to get your name out there and you can also enter them in film festivals if they are good, or put together a stage play.  So, get a group of your friends and family and get acting.

4) Do background work
If you live in a film industry based city, you can register for a background agency in your area.  Doing background is a good place to start because you can get experience being on sets, you get to work along side the crew and cast,  and make some to friends (which is great for networking).

Not only will these four things help you gain some acting experience it will help you really get a little taste of what it takes to be an actor and the amount of work that it takes to be an actor in the fast-paced industry. HAVE FUN!! :)

- Aisha and Alisha